Legal Update for HR Professionals

DLSE CLARIFIES NEW SICK LEAVE LAW

Beginning on July 1, 2015, California employers must provide paid sick leave to employees. The Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act (AB 1522) applies to all employers, regardless of size. The law requires either one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked or three days of sick leave per year. Employees accrue sick leave upon hire, although they may be restricted from taking earned leave until they have completed 90 days of employment.

The law has raised numerous questions. The California Department of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) recently issued a set of “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQs) and other guidance that address some of them.